Introduction: Prop Hoverboard Project

For this project we were tasked with creating a prop from a picture of an AI generated environment. Our image requests were Futuristic, Cyberpunk, and Hoverboard. After we used MIDJourney AI to generate the image we ended up with the image above. From this we came up with the concept of the Hoverboard prop.

Supplies

Supplies:

  • Penny board
  • Thick rubber bands
  • Spray paint (color is your choice)
  • Thin piece of plywood
  • Screw Eye (1-3/16”)
  • Corner Brace (1-½”)
  • Elevator Bolt (¼-20 )
  • 30x30x7mm Raspberry Pi Fan
  • 6ft Battery Powered Led Strip
  • 39 Ohm Resistor


Tools: 

  • Socket set – remove wheels
  • Drill/drill bits
  • Allen key set
  • Hand saw 
  • Straight Edge (book, ruler, etc.)
  • Soldering iron
  • Solder
  • Heat shrink
  • Silicone paste
  • Adhesive
  • Double sided tape
  • Super glue

Step 1: Order Parts

The team has researched parts and attached them. Order these parts to follow this tutorial. All these parts can be found at Amazon.com and at Menards.

Step 2: Test Parts

To test electronics to verify functionality plug in LEDs and see if the remote works. Then add 4 batteries to the battery pack and connect to the fan to see if it spins.

Step 3: Remove Wheels

Use socket wrench to remove the wheels from the trucks.

Step 4: Paint Board

To paint the board, place down a cover (tarp, blanket, or plastic) on the area where the board will sit. Then spray two even coats on the top of the board, waiting at least 15 minutes between coats.

Step 5: Drill Hole(s)

For the first hole use a 1/4 inch drill bit to make a hole in the slanted back of the Penny board. For the holes in the back of the battery pack cover, use a 1/8 inch drill bit to make 2 equidistant holes from the center marking.

Step 6: Solder Wires to Connect the Fan to the Switch

To make the fan operate with a switch, we need to make connections of our own. Connect the hot wire from the fan to one of the wires of the switch. Next solder them together and insulate them by wrapping them with electrical tape.

Step 7: Connect Switch and Fan to Battery Pack

To make this system, connect the ground wire of the fan and connect it in the hole we have drilled to make a connection with the battery terminal. Then take the other wire from the switch and insert it in the other hole to make a connection with the opposite sides battery terminal.

Step 8: Attach LED’s and Battery Pack

  1. Unroll the LED strip and straighten it out.
  2. Peel off the paper on the back of the strip to reveal the adhesive.
  3. Place the strip onto the bottom of the board in rows between the grooves on the board.
  4. Use 2-3 pieces of double sided tape to attach the battery pack to the top side of the board.

Step 9: Cut Out Fin

Trace out the desired shape of your fin (the height must not exceed the height of the elevator screw). Drill a small hole near the spine of the fin. Use the hand saw to cut out the fin.

Step 10: Place Screw in Hole and Attach Switch

Take the elevator bolt and place it into the hole that was drilled through the board. Also take the fan's switch and apply putty to the back and stick it on the battery pack.

Step 11: Attach Fan

First put a small amount of mounting putty on the top of the elevator bolt and stick fan to it.

Step 12: Attach Fin to Screw

Use the super glue to cover the spine of the fin and attach it to the elevator screw.

Step 13: Put the Brake System Together

  • Tie a rubber band to one of the holes of the L-Bracket.
  • Link three rubber bands together and slip each end across the trucks so that the rubber bands are horizontal across the board.
  • Attach the band from the L-bracket to the center of the horizontal link.
  • Put one section of mounting putty on each side of the bracket to hold it in place.
  • Mount the brake to the other hole of the L-bracket using one of the screws that are included with the L-bracket.

Step 14: Put the Steering System Together

  1. Link 2 trains of 7 rubber bands
  2. Put an additional rubber band through the hole in the fin
  3. Tie both trains of rubber bands to either side of the fin band
  4. Attach each opposite end of train to it corresponding metal bracket

Step 15: Enjoy Your New Hoverboard Prop